Day 1 Helsinki to Nature

Fly into Helsinki, collect your hire car at the airport, or maybe spend a night in the city before collecting your hire car, there is plenty to see in the fascinating city after all. It is not long after you leave the airport or the big city behind that you very quickly immerse yourself in the glorious Finnish countryside. Vast swathes of green forest border grand lakes, providing an outdoor playground that is only limited by your imagination. Set on the shores of Lake Kaitlampi, with Nuuksio National park for a back garden, lies Hawkhill, where your lake view cottage or villa awaits your arrival. Run by the same family for three generations, with an ethos of nature at its heart, Hawkhill is a secret you won’t want to share and only 45 minutes from Helsinki. The fully equipped hand carved traditional log cabins are spacious and welcoming, each with their own terrace, from which you can admire the scenery around you on long lazy summer days, and a private beach, with your own rowing boat for a little time on the water or maybe even a swim. Your cabin will be fully stocked with a selection of food and recipes to create delicious meals during your stay, along with a variety of snacks to be enjoyed at anytime. After settling into your cabin it is time for a little exploration and there is no better way than from the back of a paddle board. A short drive from your cabin, in Nuuksio National park, lies Hawk lake, the perfect starting point for your paddling experience. The calm waters of the national park offer a tranquil setting from which to observe nature and the animals that inhabit the forests and lakes. Paddle boarding is a fun and unforgettable experience that nearly anyone can try, but if it’s your first time you may get a little wet.